2.8D group difference and bias

Heritability

the proportion of variation in a trait (like height or intelligence) among individuals in a population that can be attributed to genetic differences, not how much of an individual's trait is genetic.

Twins

IQ scores for identical twins raised together = 1 person taking the same test twice.

• Same specific talents

• Same brain matter and structures

How powerful are genetics?

• Genetic influence becomes more powerful as we age

• Heritability of intelligence (Dreary 2012)

  • Approx 30% in early childhood

  • Over 50% in adulthood

Early Influences

• Poor conditions → decreased cognitive development

• Poverty stress can impede cognitive performance (Carter 2015)

Females

• Tend to outperform in:

  • Spelling

  • verbal fluency

  • Locating objects

• Generally are 

  • better emotion detectors 

  • more sensitive to touch, taste, and color

Males

• Tend to outperform in:

  • spatial ability

  • complex math problems

• More IQ variance

gender reality

• Gender differences are small

• Differences are smaller in societies with more gender equality

Race and Ethnicity

Individual Differences=genetics

Group Differences=environmental, social, or test bias

• Genetics: no difference between races/ethnicities

growth mindset

Ability + opportunity + motivation = success

High intelligence predicts success when coupled with motivation

fixed mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence are static and cannot be changed or developed through effort.